PUNE: On Monday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis instructed the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) and its concessionaire to accelerate the completion of the remaining 13 stations of the 23km Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar Metro Line 3, aiming to meet the completion deadline of March 2026.
Currently, only 10 of the planned 23 stations have been completed.
This directive was issued during a review meeting where Fadnavis evaluated 36 key infrastructure projects across Mumbai, Pune, and Thane. He also directed the revenue department to expedite the transfer of 5 acres of land in Yerawada, which is critical for the viability gap funding of the project, as shared by a senior PMRDA official with TOI.
PMRDA Commissioner Yogesh Mhase stated that nearly 90% of the Metro line work is finished, and operations are expected to commence on schedule. “The work is progressing well, and we should meet the deadline as trial runs are already happening on certain sections,” said Mhase.
While PMRDA intends to open the entire 23km stretch simultaneously, IT industry representatives are advocating for a phased opening, especially from Baner to Hinjewadi, to relieve commuting pressure on thousands of tech workers.
The Forum for IT Employees (FITE) has formally requested PMRDA to initiate operations on the Hinjewadi Phase 3 to Baner segment, emphasizing the urgent need for commuter solutions and the visible progress in that area. In a letter to Mhase, FITE Maharashtra President Pavanjit Mane and Secretary Prashant Pandit emphasized that waiting for the full line, which includes crucial connectors at Shivajinagar, would prolong the much-needed alleviation of traffic congestion.
“The Hinjewadi Phase 3 to Baner section has made significant strides and testing is underway. A phased launch would instantly benefit thousands of daily commuters,” Mane stated. Although the commissioner assured that the proposal would be considered, no tangible progress has yet occurred.
Mane indicated that FITE would pursue this matter with PMRDA further.
However, senior PMRDA officials have hinted that a partial opening may be improbable, as the operational target has been shifted multiple times—from March this year to September, then December, and now to March 2026.
Meanwhile, trial runs have commenced on certain sections, with the double-decker integrated flyover from University Chowk to E-Square junction expected to be fully operational by December. Commuters have expressed dissatisfaction over ongoing traffic snarls on Ganeshkhind Road due to the Metro construction.
The delays are particularly affecting daily travelers between Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad, and the Hinjewadi IT corridor, who are still facing lengthy commutes that the Metro was intended to alleviate. FITE has also remarked that while the Prime Minister may inaugurate the complete line and engage with IT professionals during the ceremony, such high-profile plans should not hinder the phased openings of operational segments.
“We urge PMRDA and the Metro team to consider this request. It would be greatly appreciated by the IT community, which is vital to Pune’s economy and global standing,” stated Pandit.
While focusing on completing ongoing Metro work, the Chief Minister has also called for authorities to finalize plans to complete all projects in Pune within three years. The PCMC-Nigdi line is projected to finish by January 2027, while the Swargate-Katraj underground Metro line is scheduled for completion by March 2029. Additionally, the Vanaz-Chandni Chowk and Ramwadi-Wagholi extensions are set to be finished by July 2029.
State Approves Two New Metro Extensions
The state government approved two new Metro corridors—Hadapsar to Loni Kalbhor and Hadapsar Bus Depot to Saswad Road—during a cabinet infrastructure committee meeting chaired by the CM to evaluate ongoing and proposed projects.
These extensions span a total of 16km with 14 elevated stations and will be executed by Maha Metro at an estimated cost of Rs 5,704 crore.
Fadnavis has also requested officials to devise a feasibility plan to extend both corridors to Purandar Airport by constructing a tunnel.
The new routes are anticipated to reduce congestion and enhance connectivity in eastern Pune, linking emerging residential and industrial areas such as Hadapsar, Phursungi, Loni Kalbhor, and Saswad, thereby significantly decreasing travel time.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister has urged Metro officials to consider the addition of six-bogie coaches to improve service capacity, as current three-bogie coaches on operational routes have been deemed insufficient by regular commuters.
(With inputs from Sarang Dastane)
